Connection THE UCD NEWSLETTER • SUMMER 2018
UCD’s Public Space Portfolio Set to Expand with Forthcoming Trolley Portal Gardens Whether we are planting 10,000 bulbs at The Porch at 30th Street, working on traffic calming efforts, or providing landscaping services through our Green City Works social venture, our impact can be felt across the neighborhood. We work hard to create dynamic public spaces throughout the district, which is why we’re excited to be putting the final touches on Trolley Portal Gardens, our forthcoming public space, restaurant and largest project to date.
Since our last Connection, local residents will have noticed some big changes at Trolley Portal Gardens. The public space is now open – the fencing is down, the flowers are beginning to blossom and boulders, custom seats, trees, and concrete pavers are all onsite. Donor plaques have been installed, serving as a beautiful testament to the community’s commitment to the Trolley Portal. Lighting and furniture will arrive between May and (continued on page 2)
WPSI Receives Over $5 Million to Support Economic Opportunity for Local Residents This year, we received major investments from The Lenfest Foundation and the JPMorgan Chase Foundation to help advance job training in University City through our nationally renowned job training program, the West Philadelphia Skills Initiative. These funds will support job creation and advance our efforts to leverage University City intuitions’
purchasing power in order to connect West Philadelphia residents to economic opportunity. In February, The Lenfest Foundation awarded a $5 million grant to University City District, the University City Science Center, and Drexel University. The three-year grant will support (continued on page 9) 1